The K-Country Showdown returns to downtown Campbellsville Thursday, July 3rd 2025 @ 7:00 PM
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Meet the Judges
Emily Lindsey
Emily Lindsey has a heart for music and a heart for equipping people to grow in their musical abilities. With over 17 years in experience leading worship, Emily serves as a Worship Leader at 3trees Church. Along with worship leading, Emily serves as a Vocal Teacher in the community, offering lessons for over 40 students. During her time at Lindsey Wilson University, Emily also participated in the Lindsey Wilson Singers, singing in over 30 states and 5 countries. She is passionate about encouraging others to use their gifts and abilities to serve the community. Emily and her husband Jared live on a farm in Southern Kentucky with their little boy and are expecting a new baby in the Fall.
Dr. Joseph Hopkins
Dr. Joseph Hopkins was named President of Campbellsville University in February of 2022. Previously, he served as dean of the Samford University (AL) School of the Arts, dean of the Petrie School of Music at Converse College (SC), and chair of the Department of Music at the University of Evansville (IN). He founded the Harlaxton International Chamber Music Festival, served on the faculty of the Operafestival di Roma (Rome, Italy), and has performed and recorded in locations around the world in opera, concert, and church settings.
Performances include leading opera roles with the Operafestival, the Dallas Lyric Opera, and Wildwood Opera Theatre; soloist with the St. Petersburg State Orchestra, International Chamber Orchestra of Rome, and Moscow State Philharmonic; recitals at St. Martin in the Fields Church of London, on Chinese National Radio, for the Atelier Chamber Music Series of Paris, and at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall; and concerts in North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Recordings include solo, chamber music, and choral works for publishers, labels, and private albums, as well as contemporary Christian recordings with his wife, soprano Suzanne Hopkins.
Dr. Hopkins holds degrees from Shorter College, Baylor University, and Indiana University. He completed a diploma from the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard University and was named a Fulbright Senior Specialist to Indonesia. Recent events include an historic role in the first Dominican opera at the National Theatre in Santo Domingo.
He served as the worship pastor at First Baptist Church of Birmingham, AL and in churches in Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Alabama. His wife Suzanne is his favorite singer; he is the proud father of two young men, Joseph and Vance; and he is managed by a handsome Scottish Terrier named Winston.
Cassandra Wilson
Meet Cassandra Wilson, a Campbellsville native who’s been singing for as long as she can remember. Cassandra honed her craft at Hillsong College and Campbellsville University, and since 2011, she’s been sharing her passion as a vocal coach. Her impressive roster of students includes Showdown contestants and winners, talent show enthusiasts, show choir members, and dedicated worship leaders. Cassandra is also the heart behind The Enrichment Collaborative in Campbellsville, where she offers voice lessons and unique enrichment classes for local kids. Married to her best friend, Corey, for 17 years, they share a deep love for music and together lead worship at 3trees Campbellsville. When she’s not making music, Cassandra is busy homeschooling their two amazing boys. If you see the Wilsons out and about you’ll probably find them laughing and planning their next exciting trip!
Meet the Showdown Contestants
Amanda Colvin
Amanda is a 35-year-old Single Mother of one. Amanda is an Autobody Technician, and she recently opened her own Autobody Shop called Amanda’s Autobody and Refinement Shop. Amanda’s favorite pastime is sitting at the lake with a fishing pole and a guitar. Pickin’ and Grinnin’ with a line in the water!
Annabelle Walden
Annabelle Walden is the daughter of Travis and Lydia Walden. Annabelle has two siblings – Drake and Emery. She is from Taylor County and will be entering the fifth grade at Taylor County Intermediate School. Annabelle is a Taylor County Middle School cheerleader. She attends Daymon’s CTA and takes voice lessons from Ms. Aubrey Davis. Annabelle has been singing for 3 years and will be attending the KY State Fair this year to compete in the 7-12 years old Talent Classic Competition.
Dustin Barnes
Dustin Barnes is a Campbellsville native who loves classic country and southern rock. He is a teacher at Taylor County High School and respiratory therapist at Taylor Regional Hospital. Dustin lives in Campbellsville with his wife Janet and sons Dalton and Jackson.
Stella Graham
Stella Graham is only 10 years old and is very excited to sing in the K-Country Showdown for the very first time. Stella currently lives in Glasgow, KY and enjoys singing, riding bikes, theatre, and hanging out with her family.
Joy Graham
Joy Graham is 11 years old and back for her second year to participate in the K-Country Showdown. Joy is from Glasgow, KY and really enjoys performing. She loves singing, playing the piano, theatre, and beating up on her older brother.
Sawyer Hounshell
Seventeen-year-old Sawyer Hounshell hails from Winchester, Kentucky, and is a proud student of the Bluegrass College Academy, where she’s on track to earn both her Associate in Arts degree and high school diploma in Spring 2026. With a passion for music and performance, Sawyer has taken the stage in numerous musical theatre productions and vocal competitions. She studies voice under the guidance of Erika Gaines and brings both heart and hard work to every performance. When she’s not singing or studying, Sawyer works as a part-time beauty advisor at Ulta in Lexington, KY. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with her friends and family, and spending time with her three dogs and one cat.
Addison Taylor
Get ready to hear from Addison Taylor, a 14-year-old powerhouse from Winchester, KY! Addison lives for performing, whether she’s singing or lighting up the stage in theater productions like her recent role in the Greek Chorus for Percy Jackson’s Lightning Thief at Leeds Theater. She’s honing her craft as she enters her sophomore year as a vocal cohort major at GRC and has been a dedicated student at Erika’s Vocal Arts Academy since 2019.
Josie Ward
Josie Ward is an upcoming sophomore at George Roger’s Clark High School in Winchester, Kentucky. Apart from being a student at Erika’s Voice Lessons, she is a student at Winchester Christian Ballet, a member of the 2024-2025 Kentucky Health Youth Ambassadors Program, and a member of her school’s academic and future problem-solving team.
Selah Gaines
Selah Gaines (pronounced Say-la) is only 10 years old and this is her very first time performing in the K-Country Showdown! Selah has been involved in musical theater her whole life and recently played her DREAM ROLE of Moana in Moana Junior. Besides being on stage, Selah enjoys gymnastics, going to the pool, and binge-watching Dude Perfect!
Cana Gaines
Cana Gaines (pronounced Kay-na) is 12 years old and is originally from Glendale Ky, but now resides in Winchester! Cana has recently picked up the guitar and has found a new love for writing music. In September of 2024, Cana was featured on Woodsongs Kids, which aired on PBS kids performing her original “Bushel and a Peck”, which she will be performing for you tonight! Besides performing Cana loves to read, play volleyball, and hang out with her little brother Cruz!
Kinzlee Ford
Kinzlee Ford is a 17-year-old with a passion for soccer, singing, and staying active through a wide range of extracurriculars. Recently, she’s been stepping out of her comfort zone—trying new things, embracing challenges, and growing more confident along the way. Kinzlee is an animal lover with a big heart for her family and friends, who have been a constant source of support as she discovers more about who she is and what she’s capable of.
David Ford
The most important thing in life to David is family! As a father of 4 he couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of his kids and their accomplishments. Coming from a family of musicians and mechanics, music and cars is a 2nd love, when he has spare time to sit and pick up the guitar and wrench on his own car. He’d like to dedicate his performance to his late father and grandfather looking down on their small family.
Kristina Ford
Kristina is a passionate singer and dedicated mom of four who is ready to share her voice with the world. As she approaches her 40th birthday, Krissie proves that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. A proud mom whos’ kids keep her on her toes with their crazy sports schedules, she’s also a loving wife, deeply rooted in her family. Singing has always been her passion–whether it’s humming in the kitchen or belting out favorite tunes, music fills her life and brings her peace and happiness. Balancing her chaotic life and creativity she wants to show that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and do what you love!!
Maelynn bault
Maelynn Bault is 16 years old and she is from Knifley Ky. Maelynn enjoys spending time with family and friends, writing songs, playing piano and singing worship. Most of all the things she loves though, she loves Jesus the most and aspires to shine his love and grace through herself each day.
Chloe McFarland
Chloe McFarland is so excited to be doing the KCountry showdown again this year. It is her 3rd year being a part of the showdown. Chloe loves playing guitar with her dad. She also loves playing tennis, playing piano, singing, and musical theater. Recently Chloe played the role of Anya in Anastasia (youth addition) at Campbellsville University. Chloe is in Taylor County High School Show Choir and Chamber Choir and she has made the Kentucky Jr High All-State Choir the last two years in a row. Chloe is also in Beta club, FCA, and the Drama club at Taylor County and will be a returning sophomore next school year.
Noah Lanham
Noah is an 18-year-old bluegrass musician from Greensburg, Kentucky. He’s only been playing for two years, but music has already become a huge part of his life. Outside of his faith in God, it’s where he’s found the most purpose — and he truly believes it’s what he’s meant to do. His dream is to one day make a career out of music, and tonight at the KCountry Showdown, he’s taking another step toward that goal.